Page 7 - MaterialsTrial-JapaneseArmy-1950

"epizootic detachments" was to prepare for and conduct bacteriological warfare and sabotage.
(Vol. 11, p. 54.)

The detachments and their branches carried on systematic bacteriological research with the
object of ascertaining which types of germs were most effective for use as bacteriological
weapons, and also of devising methods for breeding them on a mass scale and techniques for
utilizing them to exterminate large masses of people and cause economic damage by infecting
cattle and crops with them.

Detachment 731 had eight divisions. Of these, only one (the 3rd) occupied itself with
questions of water supply and prophylaxis. But the workshops even of the 3rd Division
manufactured cases for special bacteria shells, which were called "Ishii aerial bombs." These
shells were to be used for dropping plague-infected fleas from aircraft. (Vol. 2, p. 263.)

The other divisions of Detachment 731 worked exclusively on problems relating to
preparation for and prosecution of bacteriological warfare.

The materials of the preliminary investigation have established that the special function of
the lst Division was research in, and the breeding of, the germs of plague, cholera, gas
gangrene, anthrax, typhoid, paratyphoid fever and other diseases for their use in
bacteriological warfare.

In the course of these researches experiments were conducted not only on animals, but also
on human beings, for which purpose an inner prison capable of holding from 300 to 400
persons was set up.

The 2nd Division, known as the experimental, conducted tests of bacteriological weapons
on the proving ground, and also under battle conditions.

The 2nd Division had under its control an aircraft unit with specially equipped planes and
the proving ground near Anta Station. A section engaged in the cultivation and breeding of
parasites intended to cause plague epidemics was also under the control of this division.

The 2nd Division designed special weapons for the dissemination of germs: sprayers in the
form of fountain pens and walking sticks, porcelain aerial bombs, etc. A roster of weapons
for the use of sabotage groups which was found in Japanese archives shows that the fountain-
pen sprayers were part of the recognized armament of the Japanese Army. (Vol. 16, p. 16.)

One of the divisions was called the "Training and Education" Division; it trained special
cadres skilled in the use of bacteriological weapons for combat units of the Japanese Army
and for sabotage groups.

For the mass production of germs in quantities sufficient for bacteriological warfare,
Detachment 731 had a production division (the 4th Division), which, in the words of its chief,
the accused Kawashima, was a "factory" for the mass production of various bacteria.

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